Meet our Evolve Leadership Team.
Our leadership team embodies excellence, inspiring and leading by example. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to personal growth drive our company forward. We’re proud to be guided by such skilled individuals.
- All
- Board of Directors
- Executive Board
- Leadership Team
- Management Team
Alan Stephenson-Brown (Chief Executive Officer)
Ryan Stephenson-Brown (Chief Operating Officer)
By virtue of his outstanding efforts and achievements, Ryan has demonstrated that age should not be a barrier to success. In 2014, at just 15, he founded his first Managed Network Services business, which later became part of Evolve. His clear vision, strategic acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit have been pivotal in Evolve’s growth, including supporting four acquisitions and building a scalable platform for future expansion.
Ryan’s expertise spans operations, finance, technology, sales, and marketing, making him integral to Evolve’s success. A member of the Institute of Directors, he engages with like-minded leaders for continuous improvement. In 2023, he was named Best Northern Finance Director of the Year, the youngest recipient of the award, and in 2024 he was shortlisted for Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, highlighting his exceptional leadership and achievements.Â
Lee Simpson (Chief Financial Officer)
Lee Simpson is a seasoned financial expert with an ACA qualification and a strong track record in finance. As CFO at UK Hire Group, he led a financial transformation, reducing debtor days and driving a 22% annual revenue growth. Prior to Evolve, Lee was Head of M&A at Slater & Gordon, managing divestitures and acquisitions, and at DCC Technology (Exertis), where he contributed to global expansion efforts. At Ainscough Crane Hire, he drove M&A deals and operational improvements, while at Tyco International, he oversaw over 15 acquisitions, further establishing his expertise in global business growth.
Adrian Thirkhill (Non-Executive Chairman)
Adrian is an accomplished technology and telecoms executive with over 20 years of leadership experience. He was CEO of GCI, a leading UK IT and communications company, from 2015 to 2019, where he drove innovation and growth. Prior to that, Adrian served as Managing Director of Easynet Global Services, improving customer and employee satisfaction while delivering long-term financial value. From 2000 to 2008, he held senior roles at COLT Telecom, overseeing operations across 10 European countries. Adrian is known for his ability to build and lead multicultural teams, fostering both customer and employee satisfaction. His expertise lies in strategic leadership and operational excellence to drive lasting financial success.
Josh Bean (BGF Board Member)
Josh brings a wealth of experience from his role at BGF, where he joined as an investor in April 2021. At BGF, he engages in all facets of the investment process, from the initial deal origination to execution and completion, ensuring ongoing support for companies throughout the investment period. Before his tenure at BGF, Josh was part of the Corporate Finance team at Zeus Capital, an investment bank. He advised on a variety of deals, including IPOs, capital raises, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity transactions. He began his career in EY’s Transaction Support team, delivering financial due diligence on diverse transaction types and earning his Chartered Accountant qualification. Josh’s extensive background equips him with the expertise to effectively support Evolve’s growth and success.
Simon Saffidine (Chief Technology Officer)
Simon Saffidine is an accomplished IT professional with over 12 years of experience in IT engineering and technical service delivery. A respected expert on digital transformation, he has a proven track record of delivering tailored IT solutions.
Simon joined the Evolve leadership team following a successful career as Director of Technical Transformation at ANS Group, overseeing the integration of software and processes and acting as the technical lead for acquisitions. Before this, Simon spent 6 years at UKFast, the last two years as Technical Director and participated on the board to influence crucial decisions.
Simon studied Computer Networking Technology and Information Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, starting his career as an engineering apprentice at Fujitsu Services and Bombardier Aerospace (UK) Ltd.
Rob Brown (Operations Director)
Earlier in his life, Rob served five years in the British Army as a Grenadier Guard, where he honed his business aptitude. His military experience included numerous tours and guarding the Queen.
Rob’s operational knowledge and commercial awareness, along with his transferable skills, make him well-equipped for managing successful business operations.
Adam Cole (Development Director)
Adam joined Evolve in August 2010 from Michael Davis & Associates Ltd., a company engaged in the procurement and fulfilment of promotional products and marketing POS for various well-known global brands, where he worked as a senior software developer contributing to the delivery of a SAP-integrated internal solution.
Adam is an ardent supporter of reforming the conventional education system. Adam’s primary value and continuous self-improvement is his commitment to lifelong education. Prior to assuming this position, Adam held several subordinate positions while he taught himself the concept of software development.
Adam has vast experience in software development and designed the custom guest WiFi system for Evolve, which supports over 5 million connections per year. Adam and his colleagues also created a custom “internal” system that powers our 24/7 support team.
Paul Washington (Director of Strategic Partnerships)
Neil Muttock (Commercial Director)
Neil joined the telecommunications sector in 2016 as a Partner Account Manager within Talk Talk Business’s wholesale arm, following a 10-year leadership career in retail.
Neil approaches customer service with dedication and enthusiasm. He understands the importance of excellent relationships for business success and strives to foster a customer-focused culture. Neil actively solicits feedback from customers, implements solutions, and invests in training and resources in order to provide exceptional service that fosters customer loyalty and drives growth.
Whilst at Talk Talk, Neil was the custodian for a number of the key wholesale partnerships. This experience positioned him perfectly to transition into the role of Commercial Director for Evolve, where he assumed ultimate accountability for our account management (both with direct and indirect customers) and marketing strategies.
Caroline Oxley (Head of People and Talent)
Caroline Oxley is a dynamic Human Rescourses, Talent and People leader with 25 years of transformative experience. As Head of People and Talent at Evolve and previously at Property Hub, she has built high-performing teams and cultures that drive business growth. Her expertise spans strategic HR leadership, talent acquisition, and organisational culture across diverse sectors. Caroline excels at aligning HR operations with business objectives, developing leadership capabilities, and fostering innovation in modern workplaces. Her leadership is marked by an ability to navigate complex challenges and inspire sustainable success across the UK.
Rachel Rowlandson (IT Service Director)
In her role as the IT Service Operations Manager, Rachel stands out as an award-winning IT Service Desk Manager with an impressive track record of over 20 years in the IT support domain. Her extensive experience encompasses all facets of IT support services, showcasing a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, service delivery, and customer satisfaction. At the helm of a robust and efficient team, Rachel’s leadership is characterised by a commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. Her strategic thinking and dedication to continuous improvement have created a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and high-performance standards within the IT support team. Rachel’s expertise extends beyond routine operations; she actively stays informed about emerging technologies and industry trends. This proactive stance ensures that our IT support services remain at the forefront of technological advancements, offering clients a seamless and cutting-edge support experience.
Natalie Dugdale (Head of Operations)
Natalie is passionate about enhancing employee engagement and brings over 14 years of operations management experience from Marks & Spencer. Her tenure there emphasised the importance of building an engaged team and streamlined operations. Driven by a love for people and processes, she consistently strives to create a dynamic work environment. Natalie holds a degree in English Language and Literature, equipping her with strong communication skills. Her successful senior leadership roles across the North West, including opening a new store in Rochdale during the pandemic, highlight her ability to navigate challenges. She is eager to leverage her expertise at Evolve and contribute to the organisation’s growth.
Stuart Milroy (Head of Technical Delivery)
Before joining Evolve, Stuart made significant contributions to leading businesses such as Maintel, Adept4 and Avoira, where he successfully delivered a diverse range of projects spanning across all aspects of IT services. Stuart’s previous success speaks strongly about his dedication to excellence and his ability to navigate through challenging technical landscapes. At Evolve, we’re confident that Stuart’s strategic vision and hands-on experience will play a pivotal role in driving our technical delivery initiatives forward, ensuring that we continue to exceed our customer’s expectations and maintain our position at the forefront of innovation in the industry.
Constance Smith (Head of Marketing)
With expertise in digital marketing, content creation, data analysis, and strategy development, Constance consistently delivers results. Her drive and dedication to her craft inspire those around her, while her knack for personal connection sets her apart in the industry.
Always staying current with the latest marketing trends and technologies, Constance develops innovative strategies that drive engagement and boost sales. Her varied background in B2B marketing provides her with a unique perspective, allowing her to make a significant impact at Evolve as the company continues to grow.
Rebecca Mahood (Compliance Manager)
Becky has been Compliance Manager at Evolve since February 2024. She brings extensive experience from ExamWorks UK, where she spent over five years, advancing from Compliance Officer to Senior Compliance Officer. Her tenure there included expertise in legal writing and presentations.
Previously, Becky worked at 3D Rehabilitation Limited, progressing from Rehabilitation Administrator to Finance Coordinator. Her diverse roles have equipped her with a robust skill set in compliance, finance, and administration, making her a valuable asset Evolve.
Martyn Yih (Head Of IT Services)
Martyn Yih is an accomplished IT leader with over 15 years of experience in driving operational excellence and delivering strategic IT solutions. Martyn is passionate about streamlining IT operations, optimising support processes, and enhancing service delivery. Prior to joining Evolve, Martyn held key leadership roles, including Director of Managed Services Security Ops at ANS and Director of Support at UKFast.Net Ltd, where he spent nine years advancing IT services and support operations.
Martyn’s expertise spans cloud computing, IT service management, and customer satisfaction, with a focus on improving efficiency and delivering transformative digital solutions. He holds prestigious qualifications such as MCSE and ITIL, underscoring his technical proficiency and commitment to excellence. Passionate about innovation and leadership, Martyn is dedicated to ensuring Evolve continues to offer best-in-class IT services in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
James Brown Head of IT Service Delivery
James Brown began his career with Evolve in February 2022 as Service Delivery Manager, since then he has been promoted to Head of Service Delivery ensuring that our customer receive a seamless and satisfactory experience. Prior to his time at Evolve, James worked as a ITSCM & SIP Manager, progressing onto become Desktop Support Consultant.
Matty Lee (NOC Manager)
James Marsland (Provisioning Manager)
James is Evolve’s Provisioning Manager. With a background marked by four years of hands on experience in broadband technical team leader positions, coupled with eight years of distinguished leadership roles within the Armed Forces, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Throughout his career, he has successfully overseen diverse teams, navigated varied environments, and consistently achieved excellence. His commitment to maintaining the highest standards underscores my professional approach and ensures effective leadership in every endeavour.
Antony Seddon (Senior Network Engineer)
Laura Drury (IT Support Desk Manager)
In 2021, Laura started her career as an IT Apprentice, learning the fundamentals of the field and how to provide the highest level of customer service. After completing her apprenticeship, Laura rose fast to the position of Subject Matter Expert, and six months later, she was promoted to Team Leader. Laura took over as Evolve’s Information Technology Service Desk Manager in 2023 at the age of 21, overseeing her own team and keeping an eye on the effectiveness and quality of the service desk.
Stephen Hill (Field Services and Warehouse Manager)
Stephen is the Field Services and Warehouse Manager at Evolve, bringing over six years of expertise in optimising field operations, managing inventory, and leading teams. His experience includes scheduling and resource allocation, project coordination, and contract management, as well as working with blue-chip companies and national infrastructure projects. Stephen dedicates himself to ensuring efficient service delivery, maintaining optimal stock levels, and driving continuous process improvements to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Sam Bradshaw (IT 2nd Line Support Manager)
Sam Bradshaw is an accomplished IT professional who currently serves as Evolve’s 2nd Line Support Manager. With extensive experience in IT support and management, Sam specialises in resolving complex technical issues, leading support teams, and ensuring smooth IT operations. His expertise includes network troubleshooting, system administration, and user support, making him a valuable asset to the Evolve team. Sam’s leadership skills and technical acumen contribute to the efficient handling of IT challenges, providing reliable support to maintain organisational productivity and technology infrastructure.
Imed Berraies (IT Service Desk Manager)
Imed started his IT career in 2010 as an IT support technician in Tunisia. From there, he moved on to take on other IT support responsibilities, eventually becoming a senior technical support analyst in 2015. Imed began working for the BCN Group in 2016 as a service desk engineer and advanced fast to the position of support team leader. Imed moved to Manchester to work as a Service Delivery Manager following four years at BCN. Imed has been employed by Evolve since January 2024, and his work as Service Desk Manager is essential to the company’s daily IT Support operations.
Michelle Horan (Finance DIrector)
Michelle, a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience, joined Evolve in November as the new Finance Director. She brings a strong track record of improving processes and delivering high-quality financial reporting, previously holding leadership roles at Giacom and Vercity. At Evolve, Michelle is focused on strengthening the company’s financial strategies, fostering collaboration with senior stakeholders, and driving sustainable growth to support its long-term vision. Her appointment reflects Evolve’s commitment to bolstering its leadership team during an exciting phase of growth.
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